IT AS A SAD AND SOLEMN DAY in the history of Barbados on Friday, September 3, when six young, energetic and visibly healthy ladies perished in the Campus Trendz blaze on Tudor Street.
They are gone but will always be remembered by all across the spectrum of our landscape, and history will record that tragic day in which the lives of every Barbadian were affected.
To the families, I want to say your loss can never be replaced; your hurt will always be felt but let me encourage you by saying that even though your tears will flow right now, the Psalmist David comforts you with these words – that weeping will endure for a night but joy will come in the morning (Psalms 30:5).
John also reminds us that the thief cometh not but for to steal and kill and to destroy. But I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Thank God when we who are left behind are down to nothing, God is always up to something for our good.
My letter would not be complete if I did not make mention of an article in the Nation in which the fire chief, in a telephone interview, stated he was not going to put the lives of his officers at risk as it related to the fire in Tudor Street.
Let me say here that I believe the timing was wrong for this comment, and inappropriate for someone who has been given the responsibility as fire chief in this country.
He should not have made such statements as fire chief and in command of a brigade of officers.
To make such statements leaves one to ask the question: what is firefighting all about? Isn’t it about rescuing and saving lives?
I think our emergency personnel need to get greater training from outside agencies in big cities so that they would learn better tactical skills and know and appreciate how to incorporate civilian skills.
I am not suggesting compromising the agencies’ work or crime scene, but if these agencies are more people-friendly more can be done and, in some instances, lives would be saved.
RALPH LEWIS
